Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income attributable to the controlling and noncontrolling interests	$ 1,427	$ 2,159	$ 3,353
Other comprehensive income / (loss), net of tax
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustment	(717)	(596)	(51)
Defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit adjustments	113	(335)	440
Net change – derivative financial instruments	5	69	10
Other comprehensive (loss) / income, net of tax	(599)	(862)	399
Total comprehensive income	828	1,297	3,752
Less: amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests:
Net income	(21)	(57)	(122)
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustment	13	6	7
Comprehensive income attributable to PPG	$ 820	$ 1,246	$ 3,637